Female garda attacked and BITTEN by violent prisoner after arrest as new details of frontline cops’ injuries hell emerge | 6WIK77Z | 2024-04-29 00:08:01
Female garda attacked and BITTEN by violent prisoner after arrest as new details of frontline cops' injuries hell emerge | 6WIK77Z | 2024-04-29 00:08:01
THESE are the horrific bite marks that were left on a female Garda's leg after she was attacked transporting a prisoner.
Our images show how the officer was left with bruising when she was attacked minutes after a violent thug was arrested in west Dublin.
The latest attack on frontline Gardai comes after the Garda Representatives Association called on Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to address the issue of transporting prisoners and suspects.
A motion at the GRA's 46th annual conference in Co Mayo calling for "a policy regarding the transport of prisoners in vehicles not fitted with a physical separation from the driver" to be introduced was unanimously passed.
Mark Ferris, who represents the GRA's DMR West Division, urged Commissioner Harris to address the issue.
Det Ferris said: "A recent assault was inflicted on a female member who was kicked in the back of the head as there was no van available and no barrier in the patrol car.
"The pictures graphically illustrate the horrific injuries another female officer received while dealing with a prisoner who had been transported back to Blanchardstown and who, once in the station, bit through her uniform and into her leg.
"She informed us that she was worried in case she developed an infection and was apprehensive about going back to work.
"Transport needs to be fit for purpose and fully resourced so that cage-equipped vans are more widely available.
"Relying on the cooperation of offenders who can be high on drugs is not a safety oriented strategy.
"The health, safety and welfare of members must be moved to the forefront as we try to make An Garda Siochana a more appealing choice for prospective recruits and an organisation that better protects its employees."
Det Garda Ferris added: "I endorse this motion as we all know that assaults on officers can have devastating consequences for many of our members.
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> "It is infuriating that many members still have to transport prisoners in saloon or hatchback cars with no proper separation in place. With €16.8 million invested in fleet procurement and maintenance, this simply isn't good enough."
Concerns over the transportation of prisoners were also raised by Garda Alan Cummins from the Garda Dog Unit.
Gda Cummins said: "You can get into any taxi in Dublin and there will be more protective equipment between you and the driver than any Garda car in the country."
Det Garda Ferris also expressed concern about the gardai's use of electric vehicles, adding: "Particularly alarming is the rise of EVs as Garda transport. Without the same range as petrol or diesel vehicles, electric vehicles need dedicated fast charging infrastructure which has not yet been installed in any Garda station.
"How can officers tasked with responding to an urgent call wait for hours for their car's battery to charge?"
Outgoing GRA President Brendan O'Connor also urged Taoiseach Simon Harris to support the body's 11,000 members.
The Gda said: "The shortfalls, failings and damage to policing resulting from what was supposed to be reform and progress has been laid bare for all to see.
"If the Taoiseach wants to restore law and order to the streets and villages of Ireland he needs to listen to the experiences and observation of those on the frontline and those who represent them.
"The glaring lack of support from both management and government departments is something the thousands of frontline gardai who give us the mandate to speak on their behalf are aware of and concerned about."
More >> https://ift.tt/NPJqGv7 Source: MAG NEWS
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